Breaking Free From The Validation of Man

why you don't need man's approval to fulfill god's call on your life

Have you ever second guessed yourself because someone else (maybe even a spiritual leader) didn't affirm what you believed God was calling you to do?

One of the most dangerous traps for a believer is seeking validation from man instead of from God.

Many believers, especially when they're just starting out, feel the need to have others validate their calling. Which is understandable, as it is a natural desire. We all want affirmation. But, if we're not careful the desire for reassurance can turn into bondage.

When we begin to rely on pastors, mentors, or even other believers to confirm every step before we move, we risk turning people into idols, and depending on them more than God Himself.

Sis, imagine if the Apostle Paul had waited for the other church leaders to validate his calling from God. Christianity as we know it might not even exist today.

But here's the thing: God called Paul directly, and thought it confused and even offended others, it was still God's will.

your calling is personal

God's calling for your life is unique and personally tailored to you. Which means not everyone will understand it. In fact, some people (even well meaning leaders and or loved ones) may unintentionally misunderstand, oppose, or discourage you.

For example let's explore the contrast between Peter and Paul.

Peter's Calling ( Traditional)

• Personally called by Jesus

• Walked with Him for years

• Witnessed miracles

• Was slowly shaped into ministry

• Relational and gradual journey

Paul's Calling (Unconventional)

• Was not part of the twelve

• Called through a sudden, unexpected supernatural encounter with Jesus

• No discipleship training

• Taught by God Himself

Both were called. Both were anointed. Yet their journeys looked nothing alike.

This teaches us something vital:

You can't compare your path to someone else's.

What God reveals to you may not make sense to others, and that's okay.

the misconception of wise counsel

The Bible indeed tells us that their is safety in the multitude of counselors

( Proverbs 11:14).

But, here is what many get wrong and misinterpret:

• Wise council provides wisdom, not revelation

• Other people can confirm what God spoken, but they can not replace God's voice in your life

Just because someone gives you "godly advice" doesn't mean it is God's direction for you. If you don't confirm it with the Lord, even well meaning counsel can unintentionally lead you astray.

The Holy Spirit is our teacher.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." ~ John 14:26

God may use other people to speak to you, but the final confirmation must always come from God Himself.

my experience

When I first sensed the Lord was calling me into full time ministry, I sought guidance from a trusted spiritual leader. She advised me to pursue professional training. Though her advice was wise and biblical, ultimately it was not God's road for me.

But the Lord made it clear to me that: He Himself would train me, not man.

For a while I struggled with this idea, and I couldn't seem to understand why my journey seemed so isolated and unconventional. I battled alot of doubt, confusion, and insecurity along the way.

And many days I wondered if I missed the voice of God entirely.

But. that very tension was the thing that causes me to press into prayer leading me into a profound intimacy with God Himself.

During this time, I discovered a powerful revelation:

When God withholds clarity it's often an invitation to press in deeper.

the cost of standing alone

Sometimes obedience to God means standing alone (and at times even leading away from the majority)

Because the truth is:

• Even Jesus' own family misunderstood Him

• Peter, one of His closest friends, tried to oppose His very purpose

• And Paul faced skepticism from the body itself

And many times, even we will not understand God's call on our lives. So, how then do we expect everyone else to understand us?

Being a trailblazer means you are being called to walk a path no one else has walked before.

It's not easy, but the rewards are so worth it.

"Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it's happening now, even as I speak, and you're about to see it. I am preparing a way through the desert; Waters will flow where there have been none." ~ Isaiah 43:19

healing from the need for validation

If you've spent years battling self doubt or relying on others to affirm your identity,

Here is the truth:

• You can hear God's voice ( John 10:27)

• Your calling is valid even if no one else acknowledges it

• Man's rejection does not disqualify you. In fact, many times the very resistance you are facing confirms you are indeed set apart

Your job isn't to convince others to believe in you. Your job is to continue to abide in Jesus, growing in intimacy, and walking in obedience. Trusting that His approval is enough.

5 steps to discern god's voice from man's opinion

When you are unsure if a direction truly came from God, the enemy will try to stir up panic and entice you to run to people for validation. Instead, here are 5 ways to anchor yourself in God's truth:

1. The Word Is Your Anchor, Not People's Approval

   When seeking clarity the first place to run is the Word of God. Every answer you need is found in Scripture. You may not see a story identical to your situation, but you will always find the principles of God that never change. Root yourself in the truth, because people's opinions change, but God's Word is the anchor that will hold you through every storm.

   
   

2. Recognize The Patterns Of God

   God is consistent, even when circumstances are not. You may not be standing at a literal Red Sea like Moses, but you may be at a seemingly dead end in your life -in between seasons, with no way forward in sight. When you study Scripture notice the patterns of how God moves: He always makes a way, He always delivers His people, He always remains faithful. Recognizing these patterns helps you to discern His hand in your own life. What looks like a dead end may actually be a doorway to your next season.

   
   

3. Release It Back To God In Prayer

   When God releases a promise or direction, don't cling to it so tightly that you suffocate it. Obsessing over how or when it will come to pass only robs you of peace. Instead, release the Word back to Him in prayer. Remain in a posture or surrender, trusting that God will bring it to pass in His perfect timing.

   
   

4. Practicing Abstain To Quiet The Noise

   Sometimes, the reason we can't hear God clearly is because there are too many voices competing for our attention. While fasting is the act of giving up food to draw closer to God, abstinence is the broader practice of cutting off any distractions for the same purpose.

   
   

   This can look like abstaining from: - Food

   - Social Media

   - Television

   - Even unnecessary conversations

   
   

   Consider a 7 day "digital detox" where you step away from texting, scrolling, and entertainment. If music is hard to give up, switch to worship music only. The goal isn't deprivation but clarity: less of the world, and more of Him.

   
   

5. Journal Your Revelations

   God often speaks in layers- through Scripture, dreams, and repeated confirmations. If you don't write them down you may miss the story He is writing over time. Consider journaling a record of His voice, helping you to perceive the bigger picture and stay encouraged when the wait feels weary. Document any verses that stand out, dreams you receive, and the confirmations He sends. Later, when you look back, you'll notice a clear pattern of the finger of God in your life that will build and strengthen your faith.

   
   

final encouragement

Don't make the mistake I did and waste time in doubt, panic, and desperate for man's validation. Instead use this opportunity to strengthen your faith muscles.

Build your relationship with God so strong that if you find yourself having to stand against the majority, you'll know how to reach heaven for yourself.

Because at the end of the day, you don't need to be validated by man when you're already confirmed by God.

If this post stirred a fresh hunger in you to press deeper into God's Word, then share it with a sister in a transition and battling uncertainty.

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